Gallery | Dookie United comes from the clouds to claim A-grade PDL premiership
As the AFL world roars on about Fremantle’s Wharfie Time - an intimidating crowd engagement tool that lifts the Dockers’ footballers and stuns the opposition - the Picola District League discovered it has its own version at Mathoura Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
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Thunder Time.
Dookie United entered its A-grade netball grand final as underdogs having lost its qualifying final to opponent Deniliquin Rovers by 12 goals last time out.
But with a neck-and-neck contest deep in the last quarter, the Thunder had an eighth woman on the court - the deafening Dookie fan base.
With each goal, intercept or turnover forced, the teal crowd erupted with noise one would expect at a Super Netball thriller.
The Rovers were shell shocked.
Up until the fourth quarter, the game was always slightly in favour of the blue and white.
In an affair that was strongly determined by defence, a five-goal half time lead of 10-15 felt larger in the scheme of things, and even leading 19-22 at three-quarter-time still felt more than sizeable.
But then Dookie found an extra bit of energy from the crowd.
The Thunder entered the final term with serious momentum after scoring three unanswered goals to finish the third quarter, and would score the opening two of the last after four minutes of scoreless action filled with desperation.
Deni’s Ruby Cowley sunk a stabiliser to make the margin two goals, but over the next five minutes Dookie’s Maddison Dyer tied the game.
The noise was deafening, and the pressure was evidently being felt as missed shots on goal and fumbles of possession led to turnover after turnover.
It was in the final 60 seconds that the Thunder took its first lead since the first term, leading by two, and despite a late goal to Cowley, Deniliquin had been rattled by Thunder.
As a deep pass sailed over Cowley’s head the final horn was blasted, 25-24, advantage Dookie.
Dookie fans streamed onto the court with the supporters erupting into chants and the club’s theme song, as an overjoyed and emotion-filled coach Tanya Caruana was left with a permanent smile post game.
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Dookie United celebrate at the final whistle. Photo by Callum FarquharImage 2 of 13
Dookie United is the 2026 Picola District League A-grade netball premier.Image 3 of 13
Deniliquin's Ruby Cowley searches for a teammate in goal. Photo by Callum FarquharImage 4 of 13
Dookie United coach Tanya Caruana celebrates with the premiership cup. Photo by Callum FarquharImage 5 of 13
Dookie United's Gemma O'Sullivan makes a pinpoint pass. Photo by Callum FarquharImage 6 of 13
Dookie United's Eloise Caruana forces a turnover. Photo by Callum FarquharImage 7 of 13
Deniliquin's Hazel Glowrey takes the centre pass. Photo by Callum FarquharImage 8 of 13
Dookie United celebrate at full time. Photo by Callum FarquharImage 9 of 13
Dookie United's Eloise Caruana was a physical pressure player. Photo by Callum FarquharImage 10 of 13
Dookie United's Georgia Caruana asks the question. Photo by Callum FarquharImage 11 of 13
Dookie United's Ella Dickins plays defence. Photo by Callum FarquharImage 12 of 13
Deniliquin's Natalie Sampson looks to exit defence. Photo by Callum FarquharImage 13 of 13
Dookie United's crowd was deafening with support. Photo by Callum Farquhar“From the start of this season, I said I came out of retirement from coaching to win a grand final,” Caruana said.
“That self-belief and visualising, it was realised today.
“I knew if the girls could all play their best, this was a winning side.
“Today, everyone just found a bit extra.
“Credit to Deni, they bring out the best in us, and we were excited to play them as much as we were a bit fearful of them.
“Winning today - it’s been such a long time. I’ve managed to get teams to so many grand finals, so to actually take the win, I can’t believe it.”
While star wing attack and team captain Gemma O’Sullivan claimed the best on court award, Caruana said ahead of the clash that defence would be the key to success, and in the low-scoring affair, the likes of Ella Dickins and Georgia Caruana in the opposing goal circle and the tenacious attitude of Eloise Caruana and Mia Ludeman in wing defence paid dividends by the final whistle.
After 20 years since the Thunder first debuted in the PDL, and a stint elsewhere in the Kyabram District League, the A-grade silverware has finally arrived at Dookie United.